I can see moving it further down in the list - that I'll grant you. But there's a lot to be said for the meeting of new people in a Persistent setting when it's done right. An open place for people to just play and find new partners is invaluable. 

That said - I think EH is bogged down in needing character approvals and the fighting 'rules' that don't seem to make that much difference. I'd almost advocate for just making it a lawless jump-in RP land and let people do what they want with mod intervention only if someone breaks site rules.